Calvin Ayre hires top lawyers

Calvin Ayre could be about to put up a stiff fight against US charges of money laundering

Industry observers appear torn between two possible motives behind internet gambling entrepreneur Calvin Ayre’s disclosure this week that he has hired top legal guns Barry and Stuart Slotnick to defend him against money laundering charges in the United States.

Just a few weeks back the US Attorney’s Office out of Maryland indicted the high profile creator of the Bodog brand on alleged money laundering charges (see previous Online Casinos Guide reports).

Whilst some observers feel that Ayre is about to mount a formidable defence, others believe that he will not enter the United States and has engaged the Slotnicks to negotiate a deal with US authorities.

Because he is charged with a felony, a non-prosecution agreement is unlikely, but a plea on a lesser offence may be possible.

The Slotnicks have worked with Sportingbet and land casino magnate Steve Wynn among others, and have built up a solid reputation as legal representatives, negotiators and litigators.

Ayre’s business model has changed to one of franchising the Bodog brand rather than being involved as an operator in the internet gambling industry.